Topic: Myocardial infarction - Primary Care

Although overall CV mortality has declined in recent years, patients with clinically manifest CVD remain at increased risk of recurrent CV events. A group of HCPs at UK primary and secondary care centres have recently developed a consensus statement to improve delivery of secondary prevention in the UK.

Painkillers considered harmless by the general public are associated with increased risk of cardiac arrest, according to recent research.

The leading UK cardiovascular conference for the whole primary care team. Expert presenters and a down-to-earth approach help health professionals translate the latest evidence into daily practice and optimise patient care. Participants also receive 9 hours CPD credits. Book now to attend this inspirational event and take advantage of our Early Bird discount.

Research from an observational study in 9000 patients presented at the recent Acute Cardiovascular Care 2018 congress found that heart attack patients prescribed antidepressants have a lower 1-year survival rate than those not on antidepressants. The study found that those prescribed antidepressants at discharge from hospital after a heart attack had a 66% greater risk of mortality one year later than patients not prescribed the drugs, although they noted the cause is not necessarily related directly to the antidepressants.

The updated NICE guideline on post-myocardial infarction care (CG 172) provides a benchmark for primary care. In this article, Ivan Benett and Jennifer Yung highlight the five key tasks for general practice in caring for someone who has suffered a heart attack.

Primary care professionals are often the first point of contact for those needing support or advice following experience of an out-of-hospital-cardiac-arrest (OHCA). A number of useful resources are available to help healthcare professionals, patients and their families following an OHCA.